South Korean ports face scrutiny over occupancy and vessel monitoring

During recent parliamentary audits of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and various port authorities, South Korean lawmakers raised concerns regarding port management and maritime security.

In Incheon, Representative Song Ok-ju highlighted low occupancy rates of 67% in new port hinterland areas, noting an estimated 6.5 billion won in lost rental income. While the Incheon Port Authority cited high interest rates and rising construction costs, lawmakers compared this to the 100% occupancy rates seen in Busan and Ulsan ports. The authority is considering relaxing industry restrictions and adjusting land use to improve occupancy.

Separately, Representative Kim Yong-tae pointed to instances where vessels sanctioned by the EU and UK allegedly misreported their destinations. Data suggests that after loading petroleum products at Ulsan and Yeosu ports, some tankers reported destinations such as Japan or Singapore but actually sailed to Vladivostok, Russia. While the government stated these actions do not necessarily violate current domestic or UN sanctions, lawmakers called for strengthened monitoring of vessel routes to prevent opaque trade involving Russia.